Kingdoms have united in Europe, states have united in the Americas, and now it’s the emirates' turn in the Middle East. Well, it’s not really a new fusion, but it is only in recent history that the United Arab Emirates is making a mark in the world of business, technology and tourism. People should take notice because the UAE is fast rivaling the UK and the US in international significance and tourism appeal. Below are a few things you should know about the UAE.

It is the union of seven emirates, which are nations or territories that are ruled by an emir (thus the name, “emirate”). These are Umm al-Quwain, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaima, Ajman, Fujairah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Not many know the first five but the last two should ring a bell. Technically, these are territories or cities (not counties), and UAE is one country.

Abu Dhabi is the most well-known and most successful since it was the first emirate that decided to export its oils around the world. It is the capital emirate and the center of everything (trade, business, technology, politics and culture) in UAE. In 2007, CNN declared Abu Dhabi as the richest city in the world.

The UAE is oil-rich. This is not a surprise since the Middle East has always been synonymous to oil and wealth. UAE has the seventh largest oil reserve in the world, which also makes it the seventh city in the world with the highest per capita income, which in turn makes the United Arab Emirates the seventh richest country in the world according to Maps of World. (The richest in the list is neighboring Qatar.)

Meanwhile, the Middle East is still highly misunderstood by most people in the West. It might come as a surprise to many that UAE is governed by a constitution that is similar to the ones held by the rest of the free world – governed by liberty, equality, law, freedom of speech and presumption of innocence. It also upholds Human Rights for everyone.

And last but definitely not the least, people should know about the many world-class attractions in UAE, such as Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, Wild Wadi Water Park in Dubai, Palm Islands and Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, among others.

The Desert Safari is the most breath taking and thrilling part of the Dubai holiday. A vacation in Dubai isn’t complete without experiencing it. After enjoying the luxury of man-made facilities, 5 star hotels and restaurants, it’s time to follow the camels as they seek calmness in the wild.

Experience Dubai Dessert Safari

Safari expeditions enable tourists to explore another distinct part of Dubai’s contrasting landscape. These expeditions bring tourists into the desert where they can explore life in the dunes. Different tour companies may offer different safari packages, although most of them are with very little dissimilarities when it comes to the package price, features, and policies. The type of safari expedition will also depend on the time of the day, the things the traveler wants to see, and the activities that he wishes to do. [Read more…]

One of the most famous landmarks in Dubai is the Burj Khalifa. Apart from being considered as the tallest building in the world, this structure features the advances in architectural technology while also emphasizing the preservation of Islamic culture and traditions. By seeking to understand the features that this tower has to offer, better justifications can be made surrounding its beauty and the symbolisms it carries to the people and culture of Dubai.

Dubai’s Burj Khalifa

Architecture and design wise, this structure boasts the innovation of incorporating new design technology and keen attention to preserving Islamic origin. With focusing on its architectural components, they are composed of three important elements that make a helix-like formation. Apart from looking at the aesthetic feel of the building, careful attention is also made surrounding its capacity to sustain the wind. With the primary purpose of towering downtown Dubai, this tower was tested according to specific conditions and made adjustments that would best complement its ability to adapt to erratic wind levels. [Read more…]

Dubai is one of the most visited cities in all of the UAE nations because of the outstanding establishments it offers, especially when it comes to dining and drinking. Given that more than 10 nationalities live in Dubai, different dishes and flavors are available for both tourists and locals. Eating and drinking in Dubai are then two experiences that one should never forego when visiting the emirate.

The Rib Room Restaurant in Dubai

Tourists who would like to drink should look for upscale restaurants. These restaurants are mostly found in hotels that vary from Middle Eastern to Asian cuisine. One will never find it difficult to look what suits their taste. There are even some Chinese restaurants that serve beer in Chinese tea pots which remains to be a very unique and an unforgettable drinking experience. It is important to know that the culture is Dubai is still rather conservative which is why drinking alcoholic beverages in public is a definite no-no. Drinking should be reserved inside establishment or in other private places. When looking for a certain place to start, one should not forget the Rib Room at the Emirates Tower. [Read more…]

Children City is Dubai’s first educational municipality, especially built for kids between two to fifteen years old. Opened in 2002, it consists of about 83,000 square feet of educational facilities in Creek Park, one of the largest child-dedicated recreational areas in Dubai. It provides interactive activities and inventive exhibits to let children explore and learn about biology, nature, science, culture, and astronomy.

Children City – Dubai’s educational municipality

This interactive science museum consists of 12 state of the art exhibits and interactive activity areas, including the Computers and Communication exhibit, the Planetarium, the Nature Centre, Discovery Space, and the Space Exploration exhibit. Each area offers magical experiences for children of all ages. With flight simulators and different workshops and events all year round, Children’s City never runs out of ways to let visitors create new memories with each visit. [Read more…]

The Bastakiya District is characterized by winding narrow lanes, traditional houses with tall wind towers, and an old quiet world that eagerly stands out against the raucous and neon of the city. Known as one of the oldest residential areas in Dubai, it also serves as the city’s cultural and historical icon. This traditional quarter attracts a lot of culturally-inclined tourists and expatriates who are curious about the humble beginnings of Dubai.

Bastakiya District in Dubai

The Bastakiya Quarter is home to many museums, art galleries, traditional shops, and cultural centers. The arts and cultural heritage buzz is quite unlike anywhere in the city. Visitors will quickly be treated to a feast of galleries showcasing Dubai’s history. Among the famous buildings and organizations found in the area are the Dubai Museum, the Al Fahidi Fort, and the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. [Read more…]

For outdoor and sporting enthusiasts, sandboarding in Dubai remains to be one of the most sought after activities in the country. The activity captivates both tourists and citizens’ ability to appreciate the natural wonders provided by sand dunes and its ability to be used as an instrument for enjoyment and pleasure. Learning then about the components of the sport and other related information can bring forward increased satisfaction and fulfillment in the experience.

Experience Sandboarding in Dubai

Sandboarding, also known as Sand Surfing, is a sport that requires people to use specific boards. It is in these boards that their feet are strapped. To enjoy the experience, people need to slide down or across a sand dune using a specific vehicle. This particular activity is somewhat related to snowboarding, however, their main difference is in the course or platform used. Since Dubai continues to be surrounded by desert regions, this sport is extremely popular in the area and remains to be one of the sought after tourist activities. [Read more…]